Work Hours

Student employment should not interfere with students’ educational goals. Students are not permitted to work during their scheduled classes or examinations. It is recommended that students not work more than 20 hours per week when classes are in session. A normal work week is 10 to 20 hours per week. Students are permitted to work multiple jobs, but the total number of hours from all jobs should not exceed these limits. Time is recorded by students either by the TKTalk system (an automated system for recording work activity over the phone) or a manual time sheet.

Students with Federal Work Study positions are also recommended to work no more than 20 hours per week when classes are in session and not more than 40 hours per week during breaks when classes are not in session but must keep in mind to not exceed their awarded amount. It is the responsibility of both the student and the supervisor to monitor work hours so that earnings do not exceed award amounts.

Students can calculate how far their FWS award will go by dividing the total award amount by the number of work weeks anticipated and dividing that result by the hourly rate. Example: $2400 award ÷ 30 work weeks = 83.33 ÷ $8.95 per hour = 9.3 hours per week (approx.).

FWS students who reach their maximum award limit must stop working immediately. However, if the employer wishes to continue employing the student, he/she may do so, but will assume 100% of the payroll expense and a Non Work Study referral is required by the Payroll Office. Adjustments to FWS allocations may be made if an applicant's financial package allows for an increase and funds are available to finance the increase. The employer and employee should consider the time requirement of the student's FWS job in relation to pay rate and FWS allocation for the entire academic year. If it appears that the allocation will be exhausted before the job ends, then a request may be made for an increase through the Financial Aid Office when the award is nearly depleted.

International students may not work more than 20 hours per week during Fall, Winter and Spring terms when classes are in session. International students may not work more than 40 hours per week when classes are not in session during Fall, Winter and Spring terms. International students can work up to 40 hours per week during the Summer term.

All other students are encouraged not to work more than 20 hours per week when classes are in session and not more than 40 hours per week during breaks when classes are not in session.

Student jobs are non-exempt under state and federal wage hour laws, which means student employees are eligible to earn overtime for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek (Sunday through Saturday). Overtime must be approved by the student employee’s supervisor prior to the hours being worked. Overtime is paid at one and one-half (1 ½) a student employee’s hourly wage rate. All hours worked up to 40 in a workweek are paid at the student’s regular hourly rate. Federal Work-Study funds can never be utilized to pay overtime.

Meal and Work Breaks are computed on the following basis:

Paid fifteen (15) minute breaks for every four (4) hours straight time, to be taken in the middle of the work period.

Student employees cannot work more than six (6) consecutive hours without an unpaid meal break.

Student employees taking a meal break during the work shift must sign/ check out during the meal break.